§ Mr. OnslowTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions his Department has had with the National Rivers Authority concerning the phasing out of the north-east drift net fishery; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryFollowing the report to Parliament on 17 October prepared by my right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Secretary of State for Scotland, the National Rivers Authority was asked how the regulation of this fishery could be changed, inter alia, to phase out the drift net fisheries. Officials have remained in close touch with the NRA. We expect to receive the NRA's response in the summer.